Improved sports shoe

Abstract: Sports shoe has a quarter (3) associated with a shell (2) and has improved lateral rigidity. The shoe includes at least one rigid element (4) which affects the metatarsal region, the heel region (8) and the malleolar region (11) at least at the inner side of the foot. This allows to obtain a rigid structure that, for example in the case of ski boots, allows optimum transmission of efforts from the leg to the binding and thus to the ski.

Description: The present invention relates to an improved sports shoe. Sports shoes, such as ski boots, are currently usually produced by injecting plastics at suitable molds in order to obtain a shell and at least one quarter. For example, French patent no. 2,119,653 discloses a method for manufacturing a ski shoe, comprising a shell and a quarter joined in a single element, which is composed of an outer element and an inner element which are made of two materials and are mutually associated. The inner element, made of generally rigid plastics, forms at least part of the sole and part of the covering of the ankle and is also open along its front part. The outer element, made of generally flexible plastics, forms the sole, the front part of the foot, the upper, the heel, a rear part, a covering for the ankle, the foot instep and the part that surrounds the ankle. This manufacturing method has the drawback that it requires the insertion of the inner element in the outer element. Furthermore, the inner element has a uniform degree of rigidity in practically all the regions that surround the foot, except for the upper part, so that optimum fit cannot be achieved. The execution of the inner element by using rigid material furthermore leads to a shoe having a considerable overall weight. Furthermore, the sole of this shoe which is in contact with the ski is entirely made of rigid plastics, and this further increases the weight of the shoe. US patent 3,545,103 discloses a closure device for ski boots comprising a metal side plate that laterally surrounds the outer part of the foot and with which a cuff is rotatably associated. Although said plate stiffens the boot to a certain extent, it nonetheless does not allow optimum transmission of efforts since it is affected by the tension applied to the lever and affects only the lateral region of the foot. This allows the leg to move without transmitting the movements to the ski in an optimum manner. Furthermore, this solution in any case does not allow optimum transmission of efforts from the foot to the ski due to the limited region of the foot affected by the plate. US patent 3,067,531 discloses a ski boot composed of a sole to which an inner quarter and an outer quarter are connected; two engagement elements are interposed between said quarters and are arranged longitudinally with respect to them. The inner and outer quarters are in turn associated, by means of a pivot, to a curved fixed element which is located approximately below the malleolar region, again in the interspace between the two quarters. This solution, too, has drawbacks, because it does not allow to stabilize the leg, except partially, while skiing; the engagement elements are in fact fixed to the outer quarter at their ends and are thus affected by movements caused by the deformations to which the outer quarter is subjected. Italian patent no. 1,051,302 discloses a ski boot made of plastics which is essentially constituted by two bodies which mutually overlap along lateral joining lines and are kept in this closed position by fastening means. The purpose of this solution is to provide a process for manufacturing the boot in a mold without a back draft. The boot comprises parts allowing to adapt it to the devices for fastening it to the ski, as well as a framework formed by thick and rigid ribs and by thin flat portions connecting the ribs. In any case, even this solution, from the viewpoint of the described technical problem, does not allow to achieve optimum transmission of efforts from the foot to the ski, because the ski is controlled substantially by means of the inner side of the foot, which is not affected by the framework in the illustrated embodiment. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment is constituted by multiple elements which must be assembled, thus increasing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the arrangement and configuration of the ribs still subjects the boot to slight deformations during sports practice which do not allow optimum transmission of efforts to the ski. Italian patent application no. 82513 A/87, filed on February 25, 1987 in the name of the same Applicant, discloses a ski boot constituted by a semirigid innerboot with which it is possible to associate at least one first rigid element. The rigid element partially surrounds the lower and lateral regions of the semirigid innerboot. Two second rigid elements are arranged at the sides of the semirigid innerboot and are rotatably associated with the first rigid element and articulated thereto. This solution was designed specifically for use together with a central binding rigidly coupled to the ski; coupling between the binding and the boot occurred by means of a lateral engagement. Accordingly, this solution is specific for a particular type of coupling to a ski binding and cannot be transferred directly to a conventional ski boot. This solution is essentially constituted by three rigid elements which must be coupled to each other and to the semirigid innerboot. This would therefore lead to an increase in manufacturing costs, and the presence of articulations in any case would not allow high-efficiency transmission of efforts for optimum ski control. French patent no. 2,629,691 discloses a ski boot comprising an articulation, in the form of rivets, located at the front articulation of the foot, and a shell which oscillates at the articulation, where the boot is constituted by a rigid part that affects the tip and the sole of the foot. A quarter is rotatably associated with the shell and a securing device allows to close the instep together with the heel and the ankle. The structure also comprises external supports which protrude laterally with respect to the rigid part starting from the regions of the tip and of the heel and converge so as to form an essentially triangular structure, approximately at the upper end of the quarter and thus above the point where said quarter is articulated to the shell. Devices for adjusting the movement and inclination of the quarter can also be associated at the apex of the triangles. This solution has some drawbacks: first of all it entails a complicated constructive embodiment for the boot, the purpose whereof is mainly to allow the skier to jump more easily and more naturally while skiing by virtue of the particular articulation of the shell and of the rigid element at the tip. The shape of the rigid structure thus mainly acts as a guide and articulation for the shell during jumps, whereas the outer supports do not allow optimum transmission of efforts from the foot to the ski, since the heel region is free and the quarter is slideable with respect to said supports. European patent no. 466,032 discloses the assembly of a boot which combines a flexible shoe, to allow walking, with a frame for the flexible shoe which is associable with the bindings of a ski. The frame has a single plate, which acts as a sole, interacts with the ski bindings, and has a hollow tip and means for connection to the shoe. Two mutually articulated arms also protrude laterally from the plate, and the upper arm frontally surrounds the tibial region of the shoe. Even this solution is constructively very complicated and is specifically designed to allow the skier to walk easily once sports activity has ended. However, the transmission of efforts from the leg to the ski is not ideal because the shoe is not directly connected to the ski bindings and because there are plays in the points for connection to the frame. International Patent Application No. WO 92/16120 discloses a ski boot comprising a support that can be fixed to the leg above the ankle and is connected to the sole by means of a bar. The support is shaped like a mask that can be fixed to, and cooperates with, at least one part of the shell and is connected to the bar, preferably at a level located between two closed portions of said mask, by means of a bracket that approximately comprises half of the circumference of the leg. Even this solution is not optimum as regards the transmission of efforts directly to the ski, since it is again constituted by multiple elements coupleable to each other, to the shell, and to the quarter of the boot. Furthermore, it is noted that the bar is laterally provided with two arms the lower parts whereof are associated at the heel region of the shell. This solution is not ideal for transmitting efforts to the ski, because this arrangement produces moments that can open out the curve or in the limit produce windmilling. In connection to the described technical problem, this same Applicant filed an Italian patent application, no. 82601 A/90, disclosing a quarter associated with the shell and having a slot at its lateral regions which has the same or a different inclination, with respect to a guide formed on the shell. A slider is slidingly associated between the slot and the guide. This solution, too, has drawbacks due to the fact that the quarter is laterally pivoted to the shell by means of studs or by means of a cross-member which can be arranged at a seat formed transversely and below the sole. On one hand, the quarter in fact has no particular lateral rigidity characteristics due to the material of which it is normally made, and on the other hand the oscillation it can perform does not allow optimum transmission of efforts to the ski, since the function related to varying the inclination obtainable for said quarter is privileged. FR-A-2 653 310 discloses a plastic material ski boot comprising a shell, and front and rear quarters pivotally connected to the shell and provided with means for releasably closing the quarters about a user's lower leg. A pair of rigid U-shaped brackets are provided each having a lower end which is pivoted to the shell at the sole, or in alternative embodiments adjacent the pivot of the quarters to the shell. The brackets thus extend upwardly from the malleolar region, either directly or from below at the sole, to the upper part of the respective quarters where they wrap around the front part and rear part of the quarters. The rear and front quarters may be made in a soft plastic material for increasing comfort while the rigid brackets provide rigidity to the quarters particularly at the upper regions thereof where the brackets wrap around the quarters. EP-A-0 430 821 discloses a plastic material ski boot which is similar to that disclosed in FR-A-2 653 310, except that only a rear rigid U-shaped bracket is provided for the rear quarter, and in addition there is provided a rigid arc portion which overlies the heel region of the boot. US-A-3 807 062 discloses an athletic boot in which an inner molded shell is formed of a rigid material and an outer shell of flexible material is molded about the inner shell. In the form of a skate boot, the inner shell provides rigidity at a toe box, sole, hell, back and ankle-covering portions. In the form of a cross-country ski boot, the inner shell provides rigidity only at a toe portion with a projecting lip, a sole, and a heel. US-A-3 636 642 discloses a ski boot formed of a soft material upper and an external reinforcing structure formed of metal elements extending essentially vertically from the ankle, and plastic straps extending from the metal elements respectively forwardly and rearwardly above the ankle and forwardly and rearwardly below the ankle. The reinforcing structure is removable to permit the ski boot to be used as a normal shoe for walking. The aim of the present invention is to solve the described technical problems, eliminating the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a sports shoe that allows to achieve optimum transmission of efforts from the leg to the sports implement, such as a ski, roller skate, etc.. Within the scope of the above aim, an important object is to provide a shoe which is structurally simple but ensures highly efficient transmission of efforts for optimum control of the sports implement and maintains good comfort for the user's foot and leg. Another object of the invention is to provide a sports shoe that, despite the use of plastics, has the desired degree of stiffness and a low weight. Another important object is to provide a shoe which associates with the preceding characteristics that of optimizing effort distribution without being excessively stiffened, so as to avoid limiting leg movements during sports practice. Another object is to provide a shoe which has low manufacturing costs and does not substantially alter, but indeed improves, the overall aesthetic characteristics. Another object is to provide a shoe that allows the user to customize the degree of transmission of efforts to the sports implement. This aim, these objects and others which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a sports shoe as defined in the appended claims. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of some particular but not exclusive embodiments, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a lateral perspective schematic view of a ski boot according to the invention; figure 2 is a view, similar to figure 1, of the rigid element disconnected from the boot; figure 3 is a view, similar to the preceding one, of a particular connection of the rigid element to the sole of the boot; figure 4 is a view, similar to figure 2, of another embodiment of the invention; figure 5 is a view, similar to figure 3, of the invention in the embodiment shown in figure 4; figures 6 and 7 are views of two different embodiments of the base; figure 8 is a view, similar to figure 1, of the rigid element shown in figure 3, in a further embodiment for connection to the sole of the boot; figure 9 is an exploded view of the invention shown in figure 8; figure 10 is a view of another embodiment; figure 11 is a sectional view, taken along the plane XII-XII of figure 10; figure 12 is a view of still a further embodiment; figure 13 is a rear perspective view of a ski boot according to a further embodiment of the invention; figure 14 is a lateral perspective view of the shell with the soft covering element associated therewith according to the embodiment of figure 13; figure 15 is a view, similar to the preceding one, of the rigid grid-like frame of the shell on its own; figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the grid-like rigid frames that form the shell and the quarter; figure 17 is a view, similar to the preceding one, of the soft covering elements for the shell and the quarter; figure 18 is a plan view of the sole; figure 19 is a side view of the sole shown in the preceding figure. With reference to the above figures, the ski boot is schematically designated by the reference numeral 1 and is constituted by at least one quarter 3 associated with a shell 2 by means of adapted studs. The ski boot comprises at least one rigid element, designated by the reference numeral 4, and formed monolithically with the shell 2 or as a separate part. The material used to produce the rigid element 4 can be the most appropriate according to the specific requirements and can thus have the desired degree of rigidity or elasticity. If the rigid element 4 is formed by a single part, it is preferably associable at the sole 5 and at the shell 2. The rigid element 4 is preferably shaped like an inverted V which thus forms a first side 6 and a second side 7 that run respectively from the heel region 8 and from the region 9 of the first and fourth metatarsal bones. The dimensions of the rigid element 4 are such that its vertex 10 is located approximately at the malleolar region 11. First tabs 12 and second tabs 13 are associated respectively with the free ends of the first side 6 and of the second side 7, are arranged on a plane which is approximately at right angles to the plane of arrangement of the first and second sides, and protrude towards the shell 2. The rigid element 4 is preferably applied at the inner side of the foot. The rigid element 4 is also associable at the sole 5 and at the shell 2, and the first and second tabs can be located inside suitable complementarily shaped first and second seats 14 and 15 formed transversely with respect to the sole 5 at the heel region 8 and at the region 9 of the first and fourth metatarsal bones. Advantageously, the connection of the rigid element 4 to the shell 2 is temporary, since it is possible to form a first hole 16 and a second hole 17 at the first and second tabs respectively and a third hole 18 and a fourth hole 19 on the sole 5, at the first seat 14 and at the second seat 15, for connection to the first and second tabs by means of suitable screws or rivets. A fifth hole 20 is formed at the vertex 10 of the rigid element 4 to fix the rigid element 4 to the shell 2 and advantageously to articulate the quarter 3 to the shell 2 approximately at the axis 21 of the malleolus. In the illustrated embodiment, the rigid element is obtained by means of a shaped plate, but it can be formed using the most suitable shape according to the specific requirements and thus can be formed by using a rod. A feature of the rigid element 4 resides in that its first side 6 and its second side 7 are arranged in directions along which efforts extend and are transmitted from the leg/foot unit to the binding/ski assembly through the boot. The rigid element, and the first and second sides 6 and 7, which have a greater rigidity than the shell, allow optimum transmission of efforts to the sole 5, which can be more rigid than the shell and thus again transmit efforts in an optimum manner directly to the bindings connected to the ski. Accordingly, the use of the rigid element allows to maintain the comfort which is typical of a conventional boot made of plastics, combining it with the possibility to transmit in an optimum manner the efforts applied by the foot from the foot to the sole of the boot and thus to the ski bindings. The possibility to temporarily associate the rigid element with the shell also allows the user to change the rigid element according to his specific anatomical characteristics or according to his skill level in skiing technique. The shape of the rigid element, which thus substantially affects the heel region, the region of the first and fourth metatarsal bones, and the malleolar region, is such as not to interfere with the other characteristics of the boot, for example with the oscillating movement of the quarter and therefore also with the walking period that follows sports practice. It has thus been observed that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a sports shoe having been provided wherein the rigid element extending from the malleolar regions to the regions of the heel and of the first and fourth metatarsal bones, allows, by virtue of the connection of said rigid element to the shell and to the sole, optimum transmission of efforts from the leg and from the foot to the sole and thus, by means of the bindings, to the sports implement, allowing the user to select the transmission strength according to his/her anatomical or technical requirements. This solution thus allows to transmit efforts with high efficiency from the leg to the sports implement, since the rigid element lies along the main directrices of the efforts. The rigid element also does not interfere with the accessory functions of the shoe, such as, for example in the case of ski boots, the pivoting of the quarter to the shell or the level of comfort for the skier's leg. The rigid element is also structurally very simple and can be associated in an equally simple manner at the sole and at the shell so that it can even be optionally easily replaced by the skier. The rigid element therefore is also an aesthetic element that can be customized by the user. The shoe according to the invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the same inventive concept. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate another embodiment of a ski boot 201, wherein the rigid element 204 still comprises a first side 206, second side 207, first tabs 212, second tabs 213, and also a bar 224. Also bar 224 is rigid and is essentially C-shaped. Bar 224 can be arranged below the sole 205, in order to give greater torsional rigidity to the sole of the boot. Said bar 224 has a longitudinal extension that is equal to the interspace between the first and second tabs. Adapted seventh holes 226a and 226b are formed on said bar at the tabs 225a and 225b and have an axis that coincides with the axis of the first and second holes 216 and 217 and of the third and fourth holes 218 and 219. As an alternative, the bar 224 can be arranged at an adapted third seat 227 which is connected to, and joins, the first seats 214 and the second seats 215 so that it is located inside the sole 205. Of course it is possible to provide different shapes for the bar 224, such as a double-T or Z-like shape, as shown in figures 6 and 7, which in any case can give the sole greater torsional rigidity. The bases can, for example, be associated below the sole at adapted seats formed therein. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a ski boot 301 wherein the rigid element 304 has first tabs 312 and second tabs 313 which can be arranged at an adapted first insert 328 and at a second insert 329. Inserts 328 and 329 can be arranged inside the first seats 314 and the second seats 315 formed at the heel region 308 and at the region 309 of the first and fourth metatarsal bones. Of course, the first tabs 312 and the second tabs 313 can be arranged within adapted slots 330a and 330b, formed on the surfaces of the first and second inserts which face them. The first and second inserts can have such a shape that they can partially protrude at the heel 331 and/or at the toe 332 and/or at the other side of the sole 305, by means of adapted additional fourth seats 333, formed on said sole 305. The purpose of the first and second inserts is to transmit efforts from the foot to the ski in an even more effective manner, since the rigid structure, constituted by the element 304 and by the inserts 328 and 329, reaches the region for connection to the bindings. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a boot 401 wherein the rigid element 404 is Y-shaped, with the vertex 410 of the first side 406 and of the second side 407 again arranged at the malleolar region 411 and associated in said region with the shell 402 for example by means of a first rivet 434. The rigid element 404 also has a stem 435 that extends from the vertex 410 longitudinally with respect to the stem 403 until it protrudes beyond the upper perimetric edge 436 of said quarter and is then associated with a third tab 437 of the shell 402 by means of a second rivet 438. As an alternative, the end of the stem 435 may be disconnected from the shell or may be connected both to the shell and to the quarter, an adapted slot being formed on said quarter to allow its rotation, about an axis centered on the studs 439, with respect to said shell. Figure 12 illustrates a ski boot 501 wherein the rigid element 504 is again Y-shaped but wherein the stem 535 is separate and associated with the first side 506 and with the second side 507, at the fifth hole 520 formed on the vertex 510. The stem 535 is thus constituted by a plate on a first end 540 whereof there is a longitudinal slot 541 for articulation to the shell 502 at the fifth hole 520. The second end 542 of the stem 535 is instead fixed to the quarter 503. The slot 541 allows to vary, with adapted per se known means, the lateral inclination of the quarter with respect to the shell, known as "canting". With reference to figures 13-19, the reference numeral 601 designates a ski boot constituted by a quarter 603 associated with a shell 602. In the particular illustrated embodiment, both parts have a first rigid grid-like frame 604 and a second rigid grid-like frame 605. The first rigid grid-like frame 604, which belongs to the shell 602, lies along first directrices 606 which are inclined with respect to the resting surface of the sole 607 and connect the region 608 of the tip of the sole 607 to the region 609 that lies above the heel 610 of the foot. The first directrices preferably affect both sides of the first grid-like frame 604. The frame also has second directrices 611 which are inclined with respect to the resting surface of the sole 607 and connect the region 612 which is adjacent to the heel of the sole 607 to the first directrices 606 towards the foot instep region 613. The second directrices 611, in order to cross the first directrices 606, accordingly form an acute angle with respect to the resting surface of the sole 607, assuming a clockwise rotation to be positive. As regards the second grid-like frame 605 that belongs to the quarter 603, it has at least two lateral openings 614a and 614b having, in the particular embodiment, an essentially teardrop-like shape the longitudinal axis whereof is essentially vertical with respect to the ground. The shell 602 and the quarter 603 are also constituted by a first covering element 615 and by a second covering element 616 which are soft and are injected in place or associated at said first frame and at said second frame respectively. If the second covering element 616 is associated with the second grid-like frame 605 by means of a mechanical connection, it is advantageously possible to provide, at the second grid-like frame 605, guiding and/or centering means for the second soft covering element 616 suitable to allow it to slide with respect to the second grid-like frame 605. The means can be constituted for example by a first pair of slots 617 and by a second pair of slots 618, formed laterally with respect to the second grid-like frame 605, in a region that is adjacent to the perimetric edge 619 of the second frame. Adapted first pairs of holes 620a, 620b and second pairs of holes 621a, 621b are formed at the first and second pairs of slots on the second covering element 616. An adapted pivot 622 can be arranged at said first and second pairs of slots and at said first and second pairs of holes and acts as a guide for the vertical sliding of the second covering element 616 with respect to the second frame 605. The second frame also has at least two ridges 623 that protrude laterally along an axis which is approximately at right angles to the axis of the first and second pair of slots. Ridges 623 protrude starting from the perimetric edge 619 of the second grid-like frame 605 towards the pair of lateral openings 614a and 614b. One of a plurality of suitable third pairs of mutually parallel slots 624 are formed laterally with respect to the second covering element 616 and are shaped approximately complementarily to the ridges 623. Slots 624 interact with the ridges 623 so as to lock the position of the second covering element 616 with respect to the second rigid frame 605. The skier can thus select the position of the second covering element 616 with respect to the second rigid frame 605, thus obtaining a quarter that can assume different heights according to the requirements of the skier. It is also possible to provide means for adjusting the inclination of the quarter with respect to the shell. Thus, for example, it is possible to provide, to the rear of the first grid-like frame 604, above the heel region 610, an adapted L-shaped first seat 625 which is matched by a complementarily shaped second seat 626, formed on the first covering element 615. A fourth slot 628 is formed transversely at the rear region of the second grid-like frame 605 and is arranged at a wing of the first and second seats when the quarter is associated with the shell. A slider 627 has a stem arranged in the fourth slot 628 as well as in the first seat 625 and in the second seat 626, to vary the inclination of the quarter 603 according to the teachings included for example in the prior European patent EP-A-0302414 filed by this same Applicant. The first directrices 606 and the second directrices 611, on the first grid-like frame 604, allow to obtain, in said frame, an adapted second pair of openings 629a, 629b, a third pair of openings 630a, 630b, and a fourth pair of openings 631, which are not affected by the directrices and allow savings in the manufacturing costs and in the weight of the shoe. Once the first covering element 615 and the first rigid grid-like frame 604 have been associated, the second, third, and fourth pairs of openings are closed, thus obtaining soft regions thereat, for supporting the lateral portions of the foot and of the malleoli. The ski boot is also constituted by the sole 607, which also has a grid-like configuration by virtue of the presence of a third directrix 632 and of a fourth directrix 633 which have an essentially concave shape and are arranged mutually opposite. The directrices connect the heel region 634 to the region 635 of the first metatarsal bones and the region 636 of the fifth metatarsal bones. Adapted recesses 637 can also be obtained between the third and fourth directrices to lighten the sole. It is also possible to obtain a bridge 638 for connecting the region 635 and the region 636, as well as an additional recess 637 towards the region 608 of the tip of the sole. Advantageously, suitable depressions 639 can be formed by partially removing material at the heel region 634 and at the regions 635 and 636. The first frame 604 and the second frame 605 also have a fifth directrix 640 which extends to the rear of the heel and calf region. The fifth directrix 640 intersects the first and second directrices at the first frame 604. The fifth directrix 640 delimits the pair of lateral openings 614a and 614b at the second frame 605. It has thus been observed that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects, a shoe having been obtained which has both optimum characteristics for the transmission of efforts from the foot to the sports implement and optimum fit for the user, by virtue of the presence of the first and second grid-like frames and of the first and second directrices. Furthermore, the lightening recesses of the structure that is obtained are large since they are provided in the regions that are not affected by the transmission of efforts from the foot to the sports implement. This allows to contain the overall weights of the sports shoe. It should also be noted that the particular grid-like structure withstands in an optimum manner both torsional and flexural stresses applied, for example while skiing, and can thus reduce the splaying and warping that such stresses generally induce in the structure. This leads to a highly efficient transmission of ski control efforts, thus minimizing the loss of power that occurs during the transfer of these efforts from the leg to the ski due to the unavoidable plays. The performance/cost ratio of the sports shoe is thus maximized, because a better response in effort transmission is combined with the possibility to limit the use of material with high technical characteristics only to the regions affected by the force transmission, thereby also reducing the bulk of the regions of the boot that are not dynamically stressed. An important advantage of the shoe according to the invention, is that it can be implemented in several sports, such as roller skating, ice skating, mountain climbing, etc.. The materials and the dimensions that constitute the individual components of the boot may naturally be the most pertinent according to the specific requirements. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims: Sports shoe comprising at least one quarter (3,103,403,603) associated with a shell (2,102,502,602), and at least one rigid element (4,104,204,304,404,504,604,605) associated with said shell and affecting the metatarsal region (9), the heel region (8) and the malleolar region (11) at least at the inner side of the foot, said rigid element being shaped like an inverted V and forming a first side (6) and a second side (7) that run respectively from the heel region (8) and from the metatarsal region (9) towards the malleolus (11). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid element has a vertex (10) approximately located at the malleolar region (11). Shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that first tabs (12) and second tabs (13) are associated respectively with the free ends of said first and second sides, said tabs being arranged on a plane which is approximately at right angles to the plane of arrangement of said first and second sides, and protruding towards said shell. Shoe according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rigid element is applied at the inner side of the foot. Shoe according to claim 3, characterized in that said rigid element is associated at the sole (5) of said shell, said first and second tabs being arranged within suitable complementarily shaped first (14) and second (15) seats formed transversely to said sole at said heel region and at said region of the first and fourth metatarsal bones. Shoe according to claim 5, characterized in that the connection of said rigid element to said shell is temporary, a first hole (16) and a second hole (17) being respectively formed at said first and second tabs and, on said sole, at said first and second seats, a third hole (18) and a fourth (19) hole being formed for connection to said first and second tabs by means of suitable screws or rivets. Shoe according to claim 6, characterized in that a fifth hole (20) is formed at said vertex of said rigid element to fix said rigid element to said shell and for the articulation of said at least one quarter to said shell approximately at the axis (21) of the malleolus. Shoe according to claim 7, characterized in that said axis (21) that passes through the malleoli is also the axis of pivoting of said at least one quarter to said shell. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rigid element is constituted by a shaped plate or a rod. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second sides of said rigid element are arranged in directions along which efforts extend and are transmitted from the leg/foot unit to a binding/ski assembly through said shoe. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said rigid element is more rigid than said shell. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid element (204) is constituted by a first (206) and second (207) sides, by first (212) and second (213) tabs, and by a bar (224) which is also rigid, having a shape that gives greater torsional rigidity to said sole, and being arranged below or inside said sole. Shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that said bar (224) is essentially C-shaped. Shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that said bar (224) is essentially shaped like a double T. Shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that said bar (224) is essentially Z-shaped. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims 12-15, characterized in that said bar (224) has a longitudinal extension that is equal to the interspace between said first and second tabs, adapted seventh holes (226a,226b) being formed on said bar at the wings, the axis of said holes coinciding with the axis of said first (216), second (217), third (218) and fourth (219) holes. Shoe according to claim 16, characterized in that said bar (224) is arranged at an adapted third seat (227) which is connected to said first (214) and second (215) seats so that it is arranged inside said sole. Shoe according to claim 3, characterized in that said first (312) and second (313) tabs of said rigid element (304) can be arranged at adapted slots (330a,330b) formed at an adapted first insert (328) and at a second insert (329) which can be arranged within said first (314) and second (315) seats formed at said heel region (308) and at the region (309) of the first and fourth metatarsal bones. Shoe according to claim 18, characterized in that said first and second inserts protrude at the heel and/or toe and/or other side of said sole through adapted additional fourth seats (333) formed on said sole (305). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid element (404) is Y-shaped so as to form, in addition to first (406) and second (407) sides, a stem (435) that extends longitudinally with respect to said quarter (403). Shoe according to claim 20, characterized in that said stem (435) is associated with a third tab (437) of said shell (402) at its free end which protrudes beyond the upper perimetric edge (436) of said quarter. Shoe according to claim 21, characterized in that the free end of said stem (435) is associated with said shell and said quarter, a slot being formed on said quarter and allowing said quarter to rotate with respect to said shell. Shoe according to claim 22, characterized in that the free end of said stem is rigidly coupled by said shell and/or quarter. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that said rigid element (504) is shaped like a letter Y having a stem (535) arranged longitudinally with respect to said quarter and is constituted by a plate having a first end (540) on which a longitudinal slot (541) is formed for articulation to said shell at a fifth hole (520) formed on a vertex which connects said first and second sides, said slot allowing to adjust the canting. Shoe according to claim 24, characterized in that said stem has a second end (542) which is associated with said quarter (503). Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a rigid grid-like frame (604) and a soft covering element associated with said frame, said frame of said shell extending at least along first inclined directrices (606) which connect the region of the tip of the sole (607) to the region (609) that lies above the heel and along at least second inclined directrices (611) that connect the region (612) of the heel and of the sole to said first directrices. Shoe according to claim 26, characterized in that said shell (602) comprises a first rigid grid-like frame (604), said first rigid grid-like frame running along said first directrices (606) which are inclined with respect to the resting surface of said sole (607) and connect the region (608) of the tip of said sole to the region (609) that lies above the heel of the foot. Shoe according to claim 27, characterized in that said first grid-like frame has second directrices (611) which are inclined with respect to the resting surface of said sole (607) and connect the region (612) that is adjacent to the heel of said sole to said first directrices (606) in the direction of the foot instep region (613). Shoe according to claim 28, characterized in that said first and second directrices affect both sides of said first grid-like frame. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims 28-29, characterized in that said second directrices cross said first directrices and form an acute angle with respect to said resting surface of said sole, assuming a clockwise rotation to be positive. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims 26-30, characterized in that said shell comprises a first soft covering element (615) which is injected in place or associated at said first frame. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims 26-31, characterized in that said at least one quarter (603) comprises a second rigid grid-like frame (605) which forms at least one pair of lateral openings. Shoe according to claim 32, characterized in that said at least one pair of lateral openings (614a,614b) has an essentially teardrop-shaped configuration, the longitudinal axis whereof is essentially vertical with respect to the ground. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims 32-33, characterized in that said at least one quarter comprises a second soft covering element (616) which is injected in place or associated at said second rigid frame (605). Shoe according to claim 34, characterized in that said second rigid frame (605) has guiding and/or centering means (617) for said second soft covering element which is associated therewith. Shoe according to claim 35, characterized in that said guiding and/or centering means are constituted by a first (617) and a second (618) pairs of slots (618) formed laterally with respect to said second grid-like frame in a region that is adjacent to the perimetric edge (619) of said second frame. Shoe according to claim 36, characterized in that suitable first (620a,620b) and second (621a,621b) pairs of holes are formed at said first and second pairs of slots on said second covering element, an adapted pivot (622) being arrangeable at said first and second pairs of slots and at said first and second pairs of holes, said pivot acting as a guide for the vertical sliding of said second covering element with respect to said second frame. Shoe according to claim 37, characterized in that said second frame has at least one pair of ridges (623) which protrudes laterally along an axis that is approximately at right angles to the axis of said first and second pairs of slots, said ridges protruding from said perimetric edge (619) of said second grid-like frame (605) towards said pair of lateral openings (614a,614b). Shoe according to claim 38, characterized in that one of a plurality of adapted third pairs of slots (624) interacts with said ridges (623), said third pairs of slots being formed laterally to said second covering element, being mutually parallel, and being shaped approximately complementarily to said ridges. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims 32-39, characterized in that means (625,626) suitable to vary the inclination of said quarter (603) with respect to said shell (602) are provided at the rear of said first and second grid-like frames. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims 27-40, characterized in that said first and second directrices on said first grid-like frame allow to obtain in said first grid-like frame adapted second (629a,629b), third (630a,630b), and fourth (631a,631b) pairs of openings which are not affected by said directrices. Shoe according to any one or more of the preceding claims 26-41, characterized in that it comprises a grid-like sole (607) which has a third directrix (632) and a fourth directrix (633) which have an essentially concave shape, and are arranged mutually opposite, said directrices connecting the heel region (634) to the region (635) of the first metatarsal bones and to the region (636) of the fifth metatarsal bones. Shoe according to claim 42, characterized in that lightening recesses (637) are provided between said third and fourth directrices, adapted depressions (639) being formed, by partially removing material, at the heel region and at the regions of the first and fifth metatarsal bones. Shoe according to claim 43, characterized in that said first and second frames have a fifth directrix (640) which extends to the rear of the heel and calf regions. Shoe according to claim 44, characterized in that said fifth directrix (640) intersects said first and second directrices at said first frame. Shoe according to claim 45, characterized in that said fifth directrix delimits said pair of lateral openings.

Inventors: BATTISTELLA MIRCO, BERGAMIN MIRCO, CANIL GILBERTO, FOSCARO GIANCARLO, TESSER MIRCO, BATTISTELLA, MIRCO, BERGAMIN, MIRCO, CANIL, GILBERTO, FOSCARO, GIANCARLO, TESSER, MIRCO
Applicants: BENETTON SPORTSYSTEM SPA, BENETTON SPORTSYSTEM S.P.A.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A43B5
IPC codes: A43B5